Guide To The Causes Of Chronic Inflammation

Inflammation is the immune system’s way of protecting the body. After all, it plays a key role in removing threats. It is also a crucial component of the healing process because it removes damaged cells while allowing new cells to form. However, this defense mechanism can cause damage to the body. When inflammation is long-lasting, it is known as chronic inflammation. It is this type that can cause many health problems.

Thankfully, individuals have several options for chronic inflammation treatment. Some individuals may find that anti-inflammatory medication is helpful, such as arthritis medication. However, the best treatments, including natural remedies for inflammation, vary based on the underlying cause. Thus, it is vital to know the causes first.

Untreated Infections

Bacterial, viral, and fungal infections can all cause chronic inflammation. These infections are caused by foreign bodies that can invade cells. Thus, the immune system normally mounts a response to try to eliminate them. To do this, it creates inflammation as a way of defending against these threats. However, when untreated infections are too significant, the body cannot handle them well enough. Thus, it can create a scenario where the inflammation itself becomes a problem.

In some viral illnesses, such as influenza, an inflammatory condition known as a cytokine storm can occur. In this condition, an overactive immune system can lead to excessive inflammation, often resulting in organ damage and death. Chronic inflammation caused by bacteria is the leading cause of sepsis. This is another life-threatening condition that involves a hyperactive immune response. Recent research has implicated bacteria as a cause of inflammatory diseases, including diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Fungal infections can lead to inflammatory disorders as well, such as fungal arthritis.

Chronic Stress

Long-term psychological, mental, or emotional stress can cause chronic inflammation throughout the body. Chronic stress can cause a condition known as glucocorticoid receptor resistance. In this condition, the immune cells stop responding to glucocorticoids, which are stress hormones. These stress hormones normally control inflammation. However, excessive stress can trigger an abnormal increase in their numbers. Immune cells can then become less responsive when exposed to too many of these hormones over long periods.

Chronic stress can also cause inflammation through an imbalance within the body known as oxidative stress. A gradual increase in certain stress hormones can lead to a spike in free radicals. While antioxidants in the body usually combat and control these dangerous molecules, they have less control over them in this scenario. The result is an inflammatory response throughout the body, as oxidative stress is a well-known risk for inflammation.